Weird Little Guys

A Klansman in Berlin: Dennis Mahon, Pt. 2

Dec 19, 2024

Dive into the chilling world of extremist ideologies and their messy intersections with local culture. Hear about an undercover informant's dangerous mission at a secluded Ozarks compound and uncover the propaganda tactics used by figures like Dennis Mahon. Explore the dark roots of skinhead culture in Tulsa, its violent history, and the exchange of hate between American and German neo-Nazi groups. The story reflects haunting legacies of violence, politics, and personal narratives intertwined within a disturbing cultural landscape.

43:50

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Dennis Mahon's influence within the Klan exemplifies the dangerous ideologies that can incite violence and terrorism across communities.

Rebecca Williams' undercover work highlights the perilous nature of infiltrating extremist groups and the critical intelligence gained in combating hate.

Deep dives

Undercover Informant Experience

A woman, Rebecca Williams, undertook an undercover assignment as an informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, which placed her in incredibly dangerous situations. During one visit to a remote compound, she engaged with Robert Joes, who espoused extremist views, revealing hidden caches of weapons and discussing bomb-making techniques. The tension heightened as she realized that if discovered, her life would be at risk, underscoring the perilous nature of her mission. Her experiences provided valuable intelligence that eventually contributed to the prosecution of violent conspirators.

Intro

4min

Dark Ideologies and Extremism in the Ozarks

13min

Seasonal Safety and Cultural Reflections

6min

The Dark Roots of Skinhead Culture

9min

Bridging Ideologies and Promotions

6min

Neo-Nazi Violence and Extremism in Early 90s Germany

5min

Violence and Politics: The Dark Legacy of Hate Groups

3min

Shadows of Extremism in Madison

7min

Intersecting Lives: A Complex Narrative

4min

After winning his battle with a Kansas City cable company over the right to air his Klan public access television show, Dennis Mahon never made a second episode of Klansas City Kable. He was too busy organizing nazi punks in Tulsa and getting Klan chapters started in Germany.

Sources:

Ronson, Jon. “The Debutante.” Audible Originals, 2023

Ronson, Jon. Them: Adventures with Extremists. Picador, 2001

Forbes, Robert and Stampton, Eddie. The White Nationalist Skinhead Movement 1979-1993. Feral House, 2015

Moore, Jack. Skinheads Shaved for Battle: A Cultural History of American Skinheads. Popular Press, 1993

Travis, Tiffini. Skinheads: A Guide to an American Subculture. Greenwood, 2012

Kushner, Jacob. Look Away: A True Story of Murders, Bombings, and a Far-Right Campaign to Rid Germany of Immigrants. Grand Central Publishing, 2024

Newton, Michael. White Robes and Burning Crosses: A History of the Ku Klux Klan from 1866. McFarland and Company 2014

Lee, Martin. The Beast Reawakens: Fascism's Resurgence from Hitler's Spymasters to Today's Neo-Nazi Groups and Right-Wing Extremists. Little, Brown and Company, 1997.

Ketter, Pia. "Zwischen Mord und Kreuzverbrennung. Der Rechte Rand, March/April 2016.

Rink, Nina. "Anleitung zum »Rassenhass«" Der Rechte Rand, March/April 2016

Charles, Roger. “Prior Warning.” Soldier of Fortune Magazine, November 1997

https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/21/us/3-to-stop-racist-talks-in-mister-rogers-tone.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/12/us/klan-is-told-to-stop-imitating-mister-rogers-on-the-phone.html

https://tulsaworld.com/archive/2-victims-speak-out-on-beatings-harassment/article_7376c33f-036b-516f-b004-08e1c7ce3fa2.html

https://tulsaworld.com/archive/admitted-skinhead-wont-flee-friends-family-say/article_e986329a-b86a-52ca-b6ea-1f9d4954fd3d.html

https://tulsaworld.com/archive/kkk-head-offers-aid-in-trial/article_992ae2e8-0a99-5922-8c54-c8b19e4a511f.html

https://okmag.com/blog/a-punk-music-history/

https://flatlandkc.org/news-issues/changed-elohim-city-including-beliefs-residents/

https://www.texasobserver.org/906-editorial-the-phones-were-ringing/

https://issues.texasobserver.org/pdf/ustxtxb_obs_1997_03_28_issue.pdf